Q: What is micro-top or cement veneer? A: A cement veneer, or micro-top as it is called in the industry, is a thin layer of cement and sand usually applied by either a trowel or floor squeegee. Typically, it is used for decorative purposes such as simulated stone, marble or giving the appearance of natural concrete. It can also be applied over properly prepared surfaces such as cracked or disintegrated concrete, ceramic tile, linoleum, Formica, porcelain, etc. This can be a cost effective way of achieving the look you want without ripping out and replacing.
Q: Why repair and restore? A: Usually to repair and restore a surface to its original state requires an expert eye for color and texture. When properly executed, the repair should be all but invisible thus preserving the original character of the surface being restored, thereby saving much time, money and inconvenience to the client.
Q: What is Stone replication? A: Stone replication is making a copy of real stone using cement-based materials, pigments and aggregates. When put together in the right formulation, and usually using hand-made implements, experienced craftsman can usually achieve the appearance of natural stone. Even a trained eye should not be able to tell the difference between the real piece and the replication itself when done well.
Q: What are Faux Finishes? A: Faux finishes are used to replicate the look and feel of real marble, stone, wood, etc., using paints, glazes, cements, plasters and other materials or mediums.
Q: What are decorative stains? A: Decorative stains can be used on many surfaces such as wood, plaster and cement, vertical or horizontal, interior or exterior and can be opaque, semi-transparent or transparent. They can be used to enhance the existing surface creating the look and feel of something old and worn or can be used in rich, deep tones and vibrant colors. They are usually penetrating and are used over unfinished, unsealed raw surfaces. The different types of stains can vary from dyes, pigmented, acetone based, acrylic or water-based, or reactive stains commonly known as acid stains.
Q: Are repairs as strong as the original surface being repaired? A: When a surface is properly repaired using the appropriate materials and technology and by a qualified craftsman, in most cases the repair is superior. Because of today’s technology, we are able to make repairs to surfaces that were never a consideration in the past.
Q: What is color matching? A: Color matching is used by the craftsman to match existing colors usually on surfaces being repaired or where a precise color is being matched. Color matching is most crucial in repair work but can also be used to match adjacent surfaces to blend or achieve continuity
Q: What is trouble-shooting and problem solving?
A: Trouble shooting is used in diagnosing problematic surfaces. Once the problem has been diagnosed, a remedy can then be formulated, thus preventing failure of applied coatings saving the client much time and money.
